"We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the Smith family for the loss they suffered with the tragic passing of their son and brother, George Smith. Following a thorough investigation, including multiple reviews, the New Haven FBI has determined that there is not sufficient evidence to continue the investigation. Accordingly, after nearly 10 years, the investigation has been closed. However, if new evidence is uncovered, we will reopen the case."

Smith's family had been told earlier in the week by bureau representatives that the investigation was being closed. Family members then took to Facebook to express their anger, calling themselves "outraged and disgusted" at the news that Smith's disappearance was being dropped for further review.

On July 5, 2005, George A. Smith IV was on his honeymoon cruise on the Aegean Sea with his bride Jennifer Hagel-Smith. He disappeared after a night of heavy drinking with a group of fellow passengers. Loud noises were heard in his cabin, and blood stains were later found beneath the balcony outside the cabin.

The case drew national attention, and led to legislation requiring cruise companies to notify U.S. authorities following homicides, suspicious deaths or disappearances.

The Smith family went to court with George Smith's former wife over a settlement awarded by Royal Caribbean International following his disappearance, an often bitter fight that lasted four years.

More recently, Smith's family in 2013 launched an extensive campaign via news- and social-media to find answers to what happened that night.

The Smith family has said it intends to try to find another jurisdiction to pursue the investigation. George Smith's sister, Bree Smith, has called a video made by other passengers on the ship a strong indicator that foul play was involved, with robbery a possible motive. At the time of his disappearance, George Smith was wearing an expensive watch, and other passengers may have heard him talking about holding large amounts of cash after his wedding. Through the years, the case has featured a perplexing mix of depositions, polygraph tests, legal fights and competing scenarios over what happened that night.